Hero, 15, saves pensioner

Fay Schlesinger

May 08, 2008

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Paul Drinkwater, 15.

A SCHOOLBOY who saved the life of a pensioner trapped in a blazing house has played down his bravery.

Paul Drinkwater, 15, said: "I just did what I could."

Paul leaped into action when he saw smoke billowing from his neighbour's house in Altrincham.

He dragged Terry Riley from his home as a chip pan fire filled it with choking fumes.

Now he has been nominated for our Manchester Heroes awards - the M.E.N and bankers Barclays' search for people who deserve wider recognition.

Paul and his mother Sarah saw Terry, 69, fight through his smoke-filled living room as he tried to reach the front window to escape the thick fumes.

Paul clambered in through the window and hauled Terry to safety through the front door as fire and ambulance crews arrived at the house in Bamford Gardens, Timperley.

Terry's son Bill, 41, a telecommunications engineer, praised Paul.

He said: "This lad is an absolute hero and it is thanks to his bravery that I have still got my dad here. I don't think he would have been able to get himself out.

"He just about managed to get to the window and I am grateful Paul and his mother were there to help him.

"Paul didn't give a thought to his own safety."

Terry received treatment at Wythenshawe Hospital's intensive care unit and Paul - who studies at Altrincham College of Arts - was treated for the effects of smoke.

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wayneold, manc (08/05/2008 at 15:02)

Well done Kiddo!

Nice to see that they're is some good kids around!

Mr Manchester (08/05/2008 at 15:21)

I agree, good work Paul.

Scrotnig [City Of Crime 2008] (08/05/2008 at 15:47)

There are loads of good kids around. The majority of them in fact.

There should be a public fund to reward people like this young man. A few grand should be bunged his way in recognition of public sprited actions.

Jimc (08/05/2008 at 15:59)

What a great lad.

Well done, you deserve that award.

Le Comte de Bobelesque, formerly a frog (08/05/2008 at 16:21)

Well done Paul. I hope you are suitably honoured.

jomov, Manchester (08/05/2008 at 16:28)

This should be normal behaviour...why reward this, that will certainly encourage the feral youth not to misbehave but to reward them in such a way is not the answer. It will become an expection we can't afford...like the current benefit system.

debs (08/05/2008 at 20:38)

jomov - what is your problem? if the person who had gone in and done the rescuing was a middle class, thirty year old bloke with a family would your comments be the same? I doubt it. You are typical of parts of society that want to criminalise all young people. This lad was brave and cared. Why shouldn't he be rewarded?

jomov, Manchester (09/05/2008 at 10:36)

debs, my comment, as cynical as it may sound, is purely down to the way this country is being run. Don't blame me if people hold low expectations in todays society.

"There should be a public fund to reward people like this young man. A few grand should be bunged his way in recognition of public sprited actions."

Yes I appreciate this lad did good, well done to him, I applaud him infact...but I would have done the same and expected no reward. I fear a society whereby people will only do good for a cash return...

What is wrong with that!

cathryn rance (11/05/2008 at 21:56)

this s my bf paul and i am very proud of him and think he desere to be rewared for his action, not everyone wud of done the same thing!! it show the teenagers are not all the same they are always shown in a bad light. paul give faith back to the coummunity for teenagers !!!!!

cathryn rance (11/05/2008 at 21:57)

and i hope he get the reward he relli deserves it!

Felix, manchester uk (04/06/2008 at 13:54)

Good man, Paul! If more of us just "did what we could" thye world would be a better place. :-)

ryan thornton (05/06/2008 at 14:07)

I am just refering back to jomov's comment. I know dan who saved the little girl from drowning and the imformation i got from him about the ordeal proves money has no question in it, when you have a split moment to react in a situation like dan or pauls the only thing running through their minds is to save that persons life.. and i dont think for one minute that while they were doing there brave act they were thinking about a cash return at the end. It is very disapointing to hear such negative comments coming from someone. They did what they did to save a life and save families from alot of grief and mourning not for money. I think you should think abit more into next time before you comment.

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